Yes, that is a harsh title but I fear it is true. We are so caught up in our own beliefs that we damn anyone that believes different. We can’t expect everyone to agree, even those that are your friends. In fact there are even family members that have opposing views on certain topics or even opposite political associations. We must stop trying to force people to believe the same thing because the more we push the greater the possibility that things will turn to violence.

Now I am not a peace lovin hippie, I’m glad we bombed the shit out of Iraq (oil or no oil) but we can’t keep fighting among ourselves. We bicker like children. We stop speaking to people or we behave rudely just because they believe something different. Sometimes this behavior can entice people to be more aggressive because nobody likes to be ignored. Our country was founded on the principals of freedom of speech and freedom of choice so everyone is free to believe what they want without retaliation. On the same token, people are also free to believe the opposite and we must be willing to accept that.

If we don’t learn to agree-to-disagree and still coexist then we are on the road to another civil war. In a way I think social media is partially responsible for the increase in political tensions. Ten years ago we weren’t so preoccupied with what other people believed or felt unless a protest was reported on the news. Today everyone hides behind the anonymity of the Internet which gives us courage to speak our minds more boldly. The true test of our characters is if we can learn to accept it and move on. I know it’s easier said then done and its definitely something I struggle with everyday. On the same token, we need to learn to stop trying to shove our beliefs down the throats of those that believe differently.

I am going to perform a test, or perhaps its more of a leap of faith. I don’t like to do political posts and posts on controversial topics but this time I am going to break my own rule for the purposes of social experimentation. Look for my next post which will address a couple of the most controversial issues that have been flooding the Internet and social media outlets. I am going to tell you how I stand on those topics. It will be up to you if you choose to still accept me.

Peace will not be achieved by everyone believing the same thing. Instead we must learn to accept people for who they are. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, how we respond is what will define our character.